HVAC Licensing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Who Needs a License

Anyone performing heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration work in Palm Beach Gardens must hold a valid Florida license unless specifically exempt. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, an "air conditioning contractor" is defined as a person who engages in the business of designing, installing, constructing, altering, servicing, or repairing air conditioning systems. This includes ductwork, refrigerant handling, and system diagnostics.

Work performed for compensation—including labor-only contracts—requires licensure. Even if you supply no materials, you must be licensed to perform HVAC services.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet Qualifications

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Prove four years of documented experience in air conditioning work (either as a licensed employee or owner), OR
- Hold an EPA Section 608 certification (for refrigerant handling) and an appropriate vocational/technical qualification

2. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, issues all contractor licenses. You apply directly to the state board—not the city.

3. Pass the Licensing Exam

You must pass the Florida HVAC contractor exam covering Florida building codes, safety, and trade practices.

4. Register with the State

Once approved by the state board, your license is valid statewide, including in Palm Beach Gardens.

Local Requirements

Palm Beach Gardens enforces state licensing requirements through the city Building Department. Before performing any HVAC work in the city, you must:

• Pull a permit through the Palm Beach Gardens Building Department for any installation, alteration, or major repair
• Verify local amendments in the Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code, which may impose additional local standards or inspection procedures

Contact the Palm Beach Gardens Building Department for specific permit application procedures, fees, and inspection requirements for your project.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensing requirements:
- Owners performing work on their own property (not for sale or lease)
- Employees working under direct supervision of a licensed HVAC contractor
- Manufacturers installing their own equipment in facilities they own
- Casual or occasional work that does not constitute a "trade or business"

If you claim an exemption, document it. The burden is on you to prove exemption status if challenged.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), Department of Business and Professional Regulation
- Phone: 850-487-1395
- Website: https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/construction-industry/

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)